Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 (Local Time) Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona Competition: UEFA Champions League – League Phase (Matchday 2)
The most anticipated fixture of the early Champions League season—FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)—has been dramatically reshaped by a catastrophic wave of injuries across both camps. With leaders, shot-stoppers, and Ballon d’Or winners sidelined, the narrative shifts from a classic rivalry to of squad depth and tactical adaptation.
This is the definitive, in-depth Barcelona vs PSG Injury List report, including the global kickoff times, most likely lineups considering the Key Absentees Champions League, and a comprehensive FAQ to prepare fans for the October 1st showdown.
Global Kickoff Times: Barcelona vs PSG
The match is scheduled for a late kickoff in Europe, ensuring prime-time viewing across the globe.
| Location | Time Zone | Kickoff Time |
| Barcelona, Spain (Local) | CEST (Central European Summer Time) | 9:00 PM (Wednesday, October 1) |
| UK / London | BST (British Summer Time) | 8:00 PM (Wednesday, October 1) |
| New York, USA | ET (Eastern Time) | 3:00 PM (Wednesday, October 1) |
| Los Angeles, USA | PT (Pacific Time) | 12:00 PM (Wednesday, October 1) |
| Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) | BRT (Brasília Time) | 4:00 PM (Wednesday, October 1) |
| India (Mumbai) | IST (Indian Standard Time) | 12:30 AM (Thursday, October 2) |
| Sydney, Australia | AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) | 6:00 AM (Thursday, October 2) |
The Champions League Injury Crisis: Key Absentees Breakdown
🔴 FC Barcelona: Crisis in Goal and Attack
| Player | Injury Type | How Injured & Status | Recovery Timeline | Tactical Void & Loss |
| Gavi (HIGH) | Complete ACL Tear | Long-term injury from international duty (Nov 2024). | LONG-TERM: Early 2026 (Season likely over). | IRREPLACEABLE MIDFIELD ENGINE. Loss of the team’s relentless intensity, pressing quality, and midfield balance. |
| Marc-André ter Stegen (HIGH) | Back Issues (Chronic) | Recurring problem managed over the past year. | Doubtful: Misses the match. Expected return mid-October. | LEADERSHIP & DISTRIBUTION. The top-tier shot-stopper and primary ball-playing distributor. His absence forces a major change in defensive build-up. |
| Raphinha (HIGH) | Hamstring Strain (Right Thigh) | Felt sharp pain and substituted himself during La Liga match vs. Real Oviedo (26th Sept). | Ruled Out: Estimated 3 Weeks. Confirmed absentee for PSG. | WIDTH & Direct Threat. His absence removes the primary right-sided winger, forcing a tactical compromise to fill the attacking flank. |
| Joan García (MID) | Torn Medial Meniscus (Left Knee) | Sustained late in the Oviedo match or in training. Required arthroscopic surgery. | Ruled Out: 4 to 6 Weeks. | GOALKEEPING NIGHTMARE. With Ter Stegen out, the loss of the experienced backup leaves an inexperienced third-choice keeper facing the European champions. |
🔵 Paris Saint-Germain: Leadership and Offensive Power Vacuum
| Player | Injury Type | How Injured & Status | Recovery Timeline | Tactical Void & Loss |
| Marquinhos (HIGH) | Left Quadriceps Injury | Sustained during the Ligue 1 Le Classique defeat vs. Marseille (22nd Sept). | Officially Ruled Out: Several Weeks. Confirmed absentee for the match. | DEFENSIVE ORGANIZATION. The catastrophic loss of the captain, leader, and main defensive organizer. This severely impacts their high line and vulnerability on set-pieces. |
| Ousmane Dembélé (HIGH) | Hamstring Injury (Tear) | Picked up the injury on international duty with France. | Officially Ruled Out: Up to 6 Weeks. Confirmed absentee for the match. | ATTACKING FLAIR & PACE. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner’s loss of world-class pace and dribbling unpredictability is devastating for PSG’s attacking variety. |
| Vitinha (HIGH) | Minor Discomfort/Muscle Issue | Substituted early during the match vs. Auxerre as a precaution. | Major Doubt: Race Against Time. Expected to travel but may not start. | MIDFIELD ENGINE. Vitinha is key to ball progression and pressing. His absence would severely limit PSG’s ability to control the midfield tempo. |
| Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (HIGH) | Thigh Issue | Substituted at halftime against Auxerre. | Major Doubt: Race Against Time. Expected to be assessed up until kickoff. | GOAL THREAT. The loss of both him and Dembélé would completely blunt PSG’s most effective wide attacking threats. |
Predicted Lineups
Given the sheer scale of the Champions League Injury Crisis, both coaches, Hansi Flick and Luis Enrique, will be forced into unconventional setups.
| Position | FC Barcelona (4-3-3) | Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3) |
| Goalkeeper | Wojciech Szczęsny | Lucas Chevalier |
| Right Back | Koundé | Hakimi |
| Center Back | Araújo (C) | Skriniar |
| Center Back | Christensen | L. Hernández |
| Left Back | Balde | Nuno Mendes |
| Midfield (DMC) | F. de Jong | Ugarte |
| Midfield (CM) | Pedri | Fabián Ruiz |
| Midfield (CM) | Dro Fernández | Vitinha (If fit, otherwise Zaïre-Emery) |
| Right Wing | Yamal | Lee Kang-In |
| Center Forward | Lewandowski | Gonçalo Ramos |
| Left Wing | Marcus Rashford | Kolo Muani |
FAQ’S
Is Marquinhos playing against Barcelona?
No, Marquinhos is officially ruled out due to a left quadriceps injury. He is expected to be out for several weeks.
Is Raphinha playing in the Champions League match?
No, Raphinha is unavailable after suffering a hamstring strain (biceps femoris). He will be out for approximately three weeks.
How long is Ousmane Dembélé out for?
Dembélé has a hamstring tear sustained on international duty and will be sidelined for up to six weeks. He will miss the match against Barcelona.
Who will replace Marquinhos in the PSG defense?
Lucas Hernández is expected to replace Marquinhos and partner with Milan Škriniar at center-back.
Why is Ter Stegen not playing for Barcelona?
Ter Stegen is recovering from recurring back problems and is being rested as a precaution to avoid worsening the issue.
Who will start in goal for Barcelona?
With both Ter Stegen and Joan García out, third-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny is expected to start.
Is Lamine Yamal available for the match?
Yes, Lamine Yamal is fully fit after recovering from pubic discomfort and is likely to be available, possibly as a substitute.
How serious is the injury to Joan García?
Joan García suffered a torn medial meniscus in his left knee and underwent surgery. He is ruled out for 4–6 weeks.
How did Marquinhos get injured?
Marquinhos sustained his quadriceps injury during PSG’s Ligue 1 match against Olympique Marseille on September 22.
Will Vitinha play against Barcelona?
Vitinha is a major doubt due to muscle discomfort. He has traveled with the squad, and a final decision will be made closer to kickoff.
What is the tactical impact of Dembélé’s absence?
Without Dembélé, PSG loses pace and 1v1 ability on the wing, forcing their attack to become more central and predictable.
Is Gavi back from his ACL injury?
No, Gavi is still recovering from a complete ACL tear and is not expected to return before early 2026.
Where is the match being played?
The match will take place at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona’s temporary home during Camp Nou renovations.
Who is favored to win the match?
With many key absentees, the match is considered a toss-up. The outcome will largely depend on the performance of backup players and tactical execution.